News Summary
The New York DMV has issued a warning about a new phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that falsely claim recipients owe money for traffic tickets. These messages, marked as ‘final notice,’ threaten severe penalties, including license suspension and prosecution. The DMV clarifies that such texts do not originate from their agency and urges the public to remain vigilant. Victims of the scam are at risk of making unnecessary payments, and local authorities are working to educate residents about recognizing these deceiving practices.
New York – The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has released an urgent warning regarding a new phishing scam that involves fraudulent text messages demanding payments for non-existent traffic tickets. These messages, labeled as “final notice,” threaten recipients with severe consequences, sparking concern among residents about potential repercussions for ignoring the claims. The DMV emphasizes that these text messages are not from their agency and strongly advises the public to remain vigilant against such scam attempts.
Victims of the scam receive texts claiming that they have unpaid traffic tickets and may face penalties under a specific state code, New York State Administrative Code 15c-16.003. The messages threaten car registration suspension, the revocation of driving privileges for 30 days, and even a 35% service fee for non-payment. Furthermore, they warn recipients of possible prosecution and impacts on their credit scores, which could instigate panic among those receiving these messages.
DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder clarified that the DMV never sends text messages requesting personal information, underscoring the need for residents to be educated about these deceptive practices. Bronx resident Shakyra Taylor is one individual who received such a message and immediately recognized it as a scam, particularly noting that she does not possess a driver’s license, making the claim completely ungrounded.
Legal experts have highlighted that the threat in these messages could lead some individuals to panic and make payments, especially if they have unresolved issues with the DMV or related agencies like E-ZPass. This concern is compounded by the fact that similar scams have been reported in several other states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, leading local authorities to issue warnings and educate residents on how to recognize fraudulent messages.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell has confirmed instances of phishing texts that are also linked to toll payments, highlighting the broader trend of scams targeting payment methods and personal information. Both the New York DMV and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission have made it clear that they do not collect payments via text messages under any circumstances.
Authorities encourage people to be aware of common signs that a message may be a scam. These include poor spelling and grammar, threatening language, and the presence of suspicious URLs. If someone suspects they have received a fraudulent message, the DMV advises ignoring and deleting such texts, as well as refraining from clicking on any unknown links.
In case a recipient has fallen victim to the scam and made a payment, it is recommended that they promptly contact their credit or debit card provider to report the transaction and seek guidance. Additionally, individuals are urged to file a complaint with local law enforcement or their consumer protection agency to help combat these fraudulent activities.
The rise of these phishing scams is a growing concern as fraudulent schemes become increasingly sophisticated. The DMV, along with various security agencies, emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information and exercising caution when dealing with unsolicited communications. By staying informed and aware, residents can better shield themselves from potential scams and avoid falling prey to deceptive practices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: New York DMV Scam Text Warning
- New York Times: Congestion Pricing Interactive
- Gothamist: NYC Memorial Day Travel Delays
- ABC7: NYC Traffic for Bike Tour
- AM New York: New Traffic Laws in NY 2025
- Wikipedia: Phishing
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Laws New York
- Google Scholar: Traffic Scams New York
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: New York DMV Scam
